Empath Health Redefines End-of-Life Care Within the PACE Model – A proactive, “Full Life Care” Approach
St. Petersburg, FL – June 26, 2025 – In a landscape where the customary Medicare Hospice Benefit often doesn’t align with the Programs for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), Empath Health is pioneering a new standard for extensive end-of-life care. The organization is proactively integrating high-quality palliative and hospice-like services within its PACE program, ensuring continuity and dignity for participants nearing the end of their lives. This innovative approach is gaining attention as a model for holistic, patient-centered care.
Breaking the Traditional Mold
Traditionally, PACE participants haven’t readily transitioned to the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Recognizing this gap, Empath health has deliberately built a robust “Full Life Care” model, designed to longitudinally support patients throughout serious and terminal illnesses. This isn’t simply about extending life; it’s about enriching it, even in its final stages.
“Becuase we are part of one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit hospice networks,our PACE participants have access to remarkable end-of-life care with no disruptions in trust or quality,” explains Dr. Nick Joseph, Senior Vice President of Empath’s Complete Care Division. This access is crucial, providing a seamless experience for patients and families.
What is “Full Life Care”?
Empath’s “Full Life Care” model extends far beyond medical intervention.It encompasses:
In-Home End-of-Life Care: Mirroring the services of a traditional hospice program, care is delivered where participants are most cozy – their homes.
Comprehensive Palliative Care: Regular assessments,proactive symptom management,advance care planning,and open conversations about patient goals and preferences are central.
Psychosocial & Spiritual Support: Recognizing the holistic needs of individuals, Empath integrates emotional and spiritual care into the model. A Broad Spectrum of Services: Empath Health, serving over 81,000 patients annually through 17 affiliates and four philanthropic foundations, offers a complete continuum of care including hospice, home health, palliative care, bereavement support, adult day care, primary care, and even pharmacy/medical equipment assistance.
Empath LIFE: Empowering Independence
The organization’s PACE program, branded as empath LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly), is specifically designed to help adults aged 55+ remain safely and independently in their communities, avoiding unnecessary nursing home placement. This is achieved through a comprehensive suite of services including medical care, therapies, transportation, medication management, and engaging day center activities.
“We don’t just focus on treating medical conditions-we focus on helping people live fully,” states Dr.Joseph. “PACE allows us to surround participants with the support they need, while honoring their independence and choices.”
The Future of PACE & End-of-Life Care
Empath Health’s proactive approach to end-of-life care within the PACE model is likely to influence the future of geriatric care. by prioritizing quality, continuity, and patient-centeredness, Empath is demonstrating a powerful option to traditional models, ensuring that individuals can live fully, right up to the vrey end. The program is primarily reimbursed through capitation, highlighting a shift towards value-based care.
Keywords: PACE, Programs for All-inclusive Care of the Elderly, Empath Health, Hospice, Palliative Care, End-of-Life Care, Geriatric Care, Senior Care, Full Life Care, Empath LIFE, Medicare, Value-Based Care.
